UPDATE: Legislation PASSED!!
  FULL STORY HERE

March 27, 2023

RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina on Monday became the 40th state to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, the latest sign of how Republican opposition to the health measure has weakened more than a decade after President Barack Obama signed it into law.

Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat, signed legislation expanding the state’s Medicaid program during a sunny afternoon ceremony on the lawn of the Executive Mansion, days after the Republican-controlled legislature gave final approval to the measure. He was surrounded by patients, advocates and some of the same Republican leaders who had previously blocked expansion in the state.

The bill will expand Medicaid to adults who make up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level, or about $41,000 for a family of four. State officials say the expansion will cover an estimated 600,000 people. It will take effect when the state adopts a budget, likely by June, Mr. Cooper said in an interview before the signing ceremony.

The NC legislature seems open to possibly, finally expanding Medicaid in NC – but a huge public push and pressure are needed. This is important!! YOUR help is needed!!

 

Estimates are that Medicaid Expansion would result in over 500,000 additional North Carolina residents becoming eligible for coverage, allowing them to get care for chronic conditions and help them prevent future illness. 

 

Talking points:

1. It’s PRO-life to make health care available and affordable to everyone.
2. Uninsured North Carolinians raise the cost of health care for all and put a burden on hospitals.
3. It is economically wise for NC to promote health and wellness.
4. Good health is essential for student learning and children becoming productive citizens of our state.
5. These are our tax dollars - that North Carolinians have paid - that are not coming back to NC unless we expand Medicaid.

 

How to advocate for expanding Medicaid in NC:

• Directly contact Moore Co. legislators: SenatorTom McInnis and all 3 NC House members who represent Moore Co:Neal Jackson, John Sauls, Ben T. Moss, Jr.

• A short, clear, courteous, focused message is most effective.
• Choose one point and, in your own words, let the legislator know that you want Medicaid to be expanded in NC and why.
• If you can, relate a personal situation of how lack of health care has affected you or someone you know.
• Let the representative know the town where you live.
• Thank them for considering your request.
• Deliver your message by phone or email.Even if you use the phone, it helps to write out your message.

   

  Other Ways to Advocate:

• Spread the word about the importance of expanding Medicaid via social media
• Urge your friends and family to advocate. Even the children!

 

We hope that every League member will send a message!!

 

Providing health care to women and children has been a pillar League position for 100 years. THANKS for your help in this continuing effort to push for health care as a basic human right! 

 

 

Additional Info:

From the NC Department of Health and Human Services: What Medicaid expansion would mean in NC: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/blog/2022/06/09/what-expanding-medicaid-would-mean-north-carolina 

 

By not expanding Medicaid sooner, NC has already forfeited millions of dollars in Medicaid funding that have gone to other states.

 

If you want to contact legislators in other counties: 
NC House Representative, NC Senator.